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Chinese Braised Prawns in Oil (You Men Da Xia, )

🦐 Chinese Braised Prawns in Oil (You Men Da Xia, )


You Men Da Xiais a famous Chinese seafood dish that originated in Shandong and later became popular nationwide. It features large prawns braised in oil with soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics. The result is bright red prawns with a glossy finish, tender meat, and a rich, savory-sweet flavor.

🛒 Ingredients

  • Large fresh prawns: 500 g (about 1 lb)

  • Cooking oil: 3–4 tbsp

  • Cooking wine (Shaoxing wine): 2 tbsp

  • Light soy sauce: 2 tbsp

  • Dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp (for color)

  • White sugar (or rock sugar): 1 tbsp

  • Salt: ½ tsp (adjust to taste)

  • Ginger: 4–5 slices

  • Garlic: 3 cloves, lightly smashed

  • Scallions: 2, cut into sections

  • Water: ½ cup (or enough to partially cover prawns)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Prawns

  1. Wash the prawns and trim the whiskers, sharp rostrum, and legs.

  2. Use a toothpick to remove the black vein along the back (optional but recommended).

  3. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2. Pan-Fry the Prawns

  1. Heat a wok with 3–4 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.

  2. Add prawns in a single layer and pan-fry each side until the shells turn bright red and slightly crispy.

  3. Remove prawns and set aside.

Step 3. Fry Aromatics

  1. In the same wok, add ginger, garlic, and scallion sections.

  2. Stir-fry until fragrant.

Step 4. Braise the Prawns

  1. Return the prawns to the wok.

  2. Add cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and salt.

  3. Stir to coat the prawns evenly.

  4. Pour in ½ cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.

  5. Cover and braise for about 5–8 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Step 5. Reduce the Sauce

  1. Uncover and turn the heat to high.

  2. Continue cooking until the sauce reduces and thickens, coating the prawns in a shiny glaze.

🍴 Serving Tips

  • Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh scallions if desired.

  • Best enjoyed with steamed rice to balance the rich, savory-sweet sauce.

  • Pairs well with a light vegetable stir-fry or soup on the side.


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